Person-Centered Counselor (Veteran-Directed Care)

About MARC

MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, diversity and inclusion, excellence in performance and service leadership. 

About this Position

MARC is looking for a Person-Centered Counselor (PCC) to grow our Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program. VDC is a program for Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden. Veterans in this program are given a budget for services that is managed by the Veteran or the Veteran’s representative. With the help of a Person-Centered Counselor, Veterans hire their own workers to meet their daily needs to help them live at home or in their community.

The PCC educates Veterans about the VDC program, acting as both an advocate and guide. This role involves identifying needs, developing tailored Spending Plans, and coordinating ongoing support and services. The PCC also oversees the management of the Spending Plan, ensuring proper spending in collaboration with the Veteran/AR, the Financial Management Service (FMS), and the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Previously, the functions have been fulfilled through contract placements. With anticipated growth in demand for this service, we are adding a full-time staff position to the team in addition to our contract services. 

To better understand the agency and orient the new hire to the organization, the PCC will begin with an abbreviated case load while supporting other essential programs in the Adult & Aging Service department. Over time as the program grows, we anticipate case management to be the full focus on this role, working up to maximum of 30-35 clients. 

Core Responsibilities

Customer Service 

• Respond quickly and efficiently to individuals contacting the information and referral line
• Before a full case load is established, provide responsive service for customers across other Aging & Adult Service Programs 

Case Management

• Process client referrals, responding promptly to veteran calls and inquiries
• Conduct home visits to clients to conduct assessments 
• Process enrollment in VDC for each client 
• Provide ongoing case management through monthly phone check-ins and quarterly home visits.
• Update client information, maintaining accurate and comprehensive notes within the database as required
• Help Veterans understand their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the VDC Handbook

Program Oversight 

• Establish collaborative relationships with community partners 
• Perform fiscal duties as required by the VDC Program, ensuring accurate records of expenditures and generating monthly reports as needed.
• Monitor VDC spending alongside the Veteran, the Financial Management Service (FMS), the VAMC, and MARC’s fiscal department. 
• Assist in innovation advocacy, internally and externally, for all program components
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program.
• Attends required training and meetings, ensuring compliance with regulations and staying informed on programmatic developments.

Other Duties 

• Continuously updates knowledge of professional practices, community resources, and funding opportunities to support older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Maintains all necessary certifications and completes required training in accordance with agency policies and program guidelines
• Perform other related duties or special projects as requested.

Benefits of the job: 

• 60-65k starting salary
• Flexible work schedule, working 3 days per week in person and up to 2 days per week from home
• Full benefits, including health, vision, dental, multiple retirement options and a benefit allowance 
• Join a warm, collaborative, mission-focused team

About You

Your Background

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, gerontology, human services, public administration, nursing, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Five or more years of experience working with older adults, people with disabilities, human services; professional experience in delivery or coordination of social, protective, medical, mental health, or rehabilitative services; or general case management field. Experience with public benefits and programs, home visits, assessments, documentation, and government billing and/or compliance preferred.
  • Additional experience can be considered in lieu of education. Demonstrable leadership acumen within schooling or a practicum placement can be substituted for experience.
• Background: Criminal history background check required.
• Driving: Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to drive to and from client houses

Your Skills

Skills, knowledge and abilities necessary for success in this role

• Demonstrates ethical behaviors and professionalism, consistently exercising sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality in all work activities.
• Ability to make sound decisions by applying policies and procedures and using available resources.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, demonstrating a positive approach and providing timely and thorough responses. Demonstrate strong empathy, patience, passion, persistence in solving client issues, as well as a desire to improve their circumstances
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community partners and clients from diverse backgrounds and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain documents, correspondence, files, and reports. Knowledge of records administration and maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations, advanced Microsoft Office applications, relevant software tools, and eligibility criteria for Medicaid, Medicare, and VDC programs
• Performs tasks independently with minimal supervision, using sound judgment to plan, achieve objectives, and advocate for clients.
• Ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.